UK migrant deal did not stipulate return of funds, says Rwanda government

There had been a spate of legal challenges, however, with the UK Supreme Court in November last year ruling that it was illegal under international law.

“The agreement we signed did not stipulate that we should return the money. Let this be clear, paying back the money was never part of the agreement,” Rwanda’s deputy government spokesman Alain Mukuralinda told state television on Tuesday.

“The agreement went to the courts, and it was even amended after the results from the courts,” he said.

“It went to the parliament and eventually became a treaty between two countries. A treaty provides an exit clause.”

Rwanda, home to 13 million people in Africa’s Great Lakes region, claims to be one of the most stable countries on the continent and has drawn praise for its modern infrastructure.